Nominations are being accepted for consideration for the Franklin County Woman and Man of the Year and the Franklin County Hall of Fame awards. Awards will be presented at the annual Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Membership and Awards Banquet. For details about deadlines and forms for completion, see the January 9 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald.

The deadline to submit nominations for Man and Woman of the year is fast approaching. Nominations for Agriculturalist of the Years are also being accepted. Both individuals and organizations may submit nominations. For details on how to make nominations, see the Jan. 16 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald.

Several girls from Yantis enjoyed skating on the ice rink over the Christmas holidays. Pictured left to right are Taylor Bragg, Ashley Lambert, Hannah Lambert, Kaylee Almand, Gracie Martin, and Leah Lambert.

The City of Mount Vernon’s First Quarter Clean-up continues through Saturday, Jan. 18. The city is offering access to open-top dumpsters at its maintenance facility on Holbrook St. (Spur 423), between Andrews and Grady streets.

Texas State Historian of Texas Bill O’Neal kept more than 50 members and guests of the Franklin County Historical Association mesmerized with his tales of the “Musical Traditions of Texas,” from Van Cliburn to Scott Joplin and from Willie Nelson to Buddy Holly.